Latex, nitrile or vinyl gloves: which should you buy?
Choose latex for the best fit and feel when nobody has a latex allergy, nitrile when you need a latex-free glove that resists punctures and cleaning chemicals, and vinyl for short, low-risk tasks such as serving food. Whatever the material, gloves are single use and must be removed correctly.
Last reviewed by the SANITIZER.PK team
Quick answer
- Latex: best fit and touch, not for latex-allergic users.
- Nitrile: latex-free and tough, good for clinics and cleaning.
- Vinyl: cheapest, loose fit, low-risk tasks only.
- Powder-free gloves are preferred.
How to take gloves off safely
Pinch the first glove at the wrist
With your gloved hand, pinch the outside of the other glove at the wrist, without touching your skin.
Peel it off inside out
Pull it away from the hand so it turns inside out, and hold it in your still-gloved hand.
Slide a bare finger under the second glove
Slip a finger of the bare hand inside the wrist of the remaining glove, touching only the inside.
Peel the second glove over the first
Turn it inside out over the first glove so both end up as one bundle, outside surfaces enclosed.
Bin and clean your hands
Drop the bundle in a closed bin and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer straight away.
Comparison
| Latex | Nitrile | Vinyl | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fit and touch | Excellent | Very good | Loose |
| Puncture resistance | Good | Very good | Fair |
| Resistance to oils and many chemicals | Fair | Good | Fair |
| Allergy risk | Latex allergy possible | Latex-free | Latex-free |
| Relative cost | Medium | Medium to higher | Lowest |
| Good for | Clinics, labs, care work | Clinics, cleaning, food prep | Serving food, short tasks |
Standards to look for
- Medical examination gloves: EN 455 (Europe), ASTM D3578 for latex or ASTM D6319 for nitrile (USA).
- Food handling: the box should say the gloves are suitable for food contact.
- Chemical handling: check the glove maker's chemical resistance data for the specific chemical.
Getting the size right
Gloves that are too large slip and catch; gloves that are too small split at the base of the fingers. Order a mix of sizes for shared workplaces, usually more medium than any other size, and keep sizes in labelled boxes.
Frequently asked questions
Which gloves are best for food handling?
Nitrile or vinyl gloves marked as suitable for food contact. Change them between raw and ready-to-eat food, after touching money or your face, and whenever they tear.
What are the signs of a latex allergy?
Itching, redness or rash where the glove touched, and in more serious cases sneezing, wheezing or swelling. Anyone with these signs should switch to nitrile gloves and see a doctor.
Do gloves replace handwashing?
No. Clean your hands before putting gloves on and after removing them.
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